The benefit gained by developed countries through developing first; those which developed later are always in a race to catch up.

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In Situ/Ex Situ

The conservation of species in their natural habitat (in situ) or in another place (ex situ), e.g. in a zoo or game park by captive breeding.

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Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO)

A group or organisation made up of different member states, such as the UN or the EU.

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Intermediate Technology

Low-technology solutions which are often cheap, easy to build and maintain, adaptable to local conditions and labour-intensive. Many are environmentally friendly.

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Investment

The allocation of money or resources into an area by a company or government in order to make a profit. Often this is in the form of commercial property or factory development. When the investment is from one country to another it is called FDI.

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Knowledge Economy

Economic growth based on information and data rather than products and services. Knowledge becomes a saleable commodity.

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Megaproject

An expensive, large-scale civil engineering project, usually with major impacts.

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Monopoly

Control over a product or technology by one company or individual to the extent that there is no competition.

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Neo-Malthusians

Modern-day followers of the idea of Thomas Malthus. They believe population will eventually outstrip available natural resources.

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OPEC

The 12 nations of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. They are all net oil exporters, accounting for two-thirds of world oil reserves.

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Peripheral

On the edge, not part of the core, especially in an economic and political sense.

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Phenology

The study of the seasonal behaviour of plants and animals, which may indicate climate change.

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Plagioclimax

An ecosystem which has developed as a result of human activity.

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Primary Production

The conversion of energy from sunlight into chemical energy by plants through photosynthesis to produce new biomass.

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Relict

Small, isolated, vulnerable pockets of plant or animal species which are extinct across their broader ecological range.

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Restoration

Returning a degraded ecosystem or natural system to its former state.

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Superpower

A country with dominant global political and economic influence.

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Sustainable

Describes actions and processes which minimise negative consequences for the environment and ecosystems and promote human wellbeing.

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Sustainable Development

Development that meets the environmental, economic and social needs of today's population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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Top-Down

Management solutions and other measures imposed from above, e.g. by national governments.

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Trade

The change of goods and services, usually involving money.

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Trophic Level

The position an organism occupies in the food chain.

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Wellbeing

The health of either humans or ecosystems. It is increasingly recognised that human wellbeing depends on healthy ecosystems and a healthy environment.